Audit Apprentice Review
at KPMG
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Birmingham
Review Submitted: March 2023
Overall Rating
4.5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
The job is very varied and no day is the same, I can be meeting with clients or I can be working from home or in office. There is lots of chance to also get involved with committees and volunteering. Despite being an apprentice, you are still expected to complete work to a high level - and your studies alongside. There is a good work/life balance and culture of high challenge and high support so you can get the most out of your career.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the programme, as there is not a continual recurring college class each week, instead we do it in blocks, which allows you to have the short term push for revision, learning and exam and then can concentrate on work and life outside of these blocks of college. I feel as though this really helps with my enjoyment as both sides can have my full attention.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I feel as though KPMG has helped me develop both soft skills and skills relating to my job. I have grown in confidence in myself and in my work. I feel as though the opportunities provided really push you out of your comfort zone. There is a push for completing internal training and studies on time - and there is a good support network to allow you to have the time!
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I feel as though the programme overall is well structured and organised, however, I feel as though internal staff members (especially managers) need more briefing to allow further support - e.g. when they need to sign training documents etc. But overall there is a good understanding of the programme and it is well organised as we know in advance.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I have received huge amounts of support from KPMG, whether this be for college, work or personal life events. The whole of the firm is so understanding and it feels as though everyone is there to support you. There is many different people/mailboxes for specific queries which allow everything to be actioned as fast as possible.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
When we are at college (BPP), we have access to a huge network of tutors and mentors, who are always available on email/phone or in person. College also supports us by providing study spaces if we need them - and are always quick on their email replies to action any queries.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification often lines up with what we are doing at work and the sections of a job we are completing, and if this isn't the case, managers and incharges want to know what you'd like to work on, and therefore can allocate areas and tasks that can further your knowledge of the areas you are learning in college. It really helps with revision and therefore, long term performance.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
The department I work in has monthly social events, and sometimes a day out during the summer - which is really good for teambuilding and bonding with colleagues. Most teams also have a de-brief meeting once the audit is completed and signed to allow for reflection, but once again, teambuilding. There is many volunteering activities and committees to get involved with too.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend KPMG to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I feel as though working at KPMG has been the thing I needed to improve my confidence, but also the employer to aligns with my values. Having a company who's values align with yours means that you can work with like-minded people who uphold the values daily. The support KPMG provides allows continual development of all skills and working toward the qualification with motivation.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to KPMG?
Each stage of the application will have a deadline, complete each stage well before the deadline, but give yourself time to revise (e.g. what you want to say in an interview) or to get understanding about what the task is and see if you can find any practise versions on the internet.
